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The political landscape of India has witnessed a heated exchange of words between prominent leaders, with the recent decision by the Assam government to scrap the two-hour assembly session adjournment for Jumma prayers serving as the focal point of contention. This move has sparked a war of words between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, with both figures accusing each other of perpetuating divisive rhetoric and indulging in baseless claims. The controversy has escalated to a point where Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has weighed in, alleging that Yadav's remarks against Sarma are rooted in racism, further deepening the political divide.
The initial spark for the escalating feud was Yadav's tweet on X, where he alluded to Sarma as someone seeking "cheap popularity and becoming the Chinese version of Yogi." This statement, while not explicitly referencing the quality of goods from China, could be interpreted as a derogatory reference to the northeast region, a perception that has triggered sensitivity and anger among many from the region who have previously faced racist remarks. Sarma vehemently refuted Yadav's claims, emphasizing that the decision to scrap the Jumma break was a collective one, taken by all MLAs, including Hindu and Muslim representatives. He further highlighted the absence of any protest from the 25 Muslim MLAs present in the Assam assembly, highlighting the lack of dissent within the assembly regarding the decision.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh entered the fray, accusing Yadav of displaying ignorance and racism by labeling Sarma as "a Chinese just because he is from the northeast." Singh's statement escalated the conflict, accusing the INDIA Alliance of harboring racist sentiments and demonstrating a lack of understanding of India's history and geography. This accusation further intensifies the political battle, implicating a broader alliance and bringing national attention to the issue of regional prejudice within the country. The ongoing feud is a clear example of the potential for political disagreements to escalate into accusations of racism, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue and respectful engagement in the public sphere.
Source: Manipur Chief Minister Slams Tejashwi Yadav Over "Racist" Jab At Himanta Sarma